Placerville Man Arrested on Charges of Indecent Exposure (CA Penal Code 314)

Rabin Nabizadeh
June 26, 2015

Local law enforcement agents in Placerville were stunned to learn that a man who had, just minutes before, registered as a sex offender at a nearby police station, had allegedly exposed himself to a strange woman on the street.  Witnesses claim that he left the police station just 25 minutes before committing this second sex crime in the 1300 block of Broadway Drive, just minutes from the station.  The man was arrested both on charges of indecent exposure and for a parole violation.

Strangely, California law (which dates back to 1872) is quite vague when it comes to defining the kinds of behavior that may be considered ‘indecent exposure’ (CA Penal Code 314).  In the main, indecent exposure is the action of purposefully revealing one’s intimate parts to another person.  This violation of the law, however, must be motivated by sexual gratification (of one’s self or of another person).  Thus, the law on this point is not only often considered archaic or out-of-date, but also difficult to prove, as it involves determining, beyond the shadow of a doubt, what an individual person’s motivation was in exposing themselves.

Although indecent exposure is not often considered to be a serious offense by members of the public, violating this law comes with, perhaps, far too serious consequences.  For example, if you are convicted of a first-offense indecent exposure charge, you can expect to spend up to 6 months in county jail and be subject to a $1,000 fine.  However, any second-offense charge could mean facing a longer sentence in state prison.  Most importantly, even a first-offense indecent exposure conviction, as can be seen in the story above, results in the penalty of lifetime registration as a sex offender.

 

latest news

October 10, 2023
Do You Lose Your License Immediately After a DUI Charge in San Jose?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a major offense in San Jose. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you might be worried about the future of your driver’s license. Following a DUI arrest, you might be wondering what to do next. Knowing your rights and the next steps can significantly impact the outcome of […]

October 9, 2023
San Jose Common Questions About Criminal Defense

Navigating the complexities of criminal law in San Jose can be confusing. Many residents often have questions about their rights, the legal process, and the consequences of a criminal charge. Fortunately, understanding these topics is easier with the correct information. At Summit Defense, our criminal defense lawyers are here to help you. Every criminal offense is […]

May 18, 2023
How To Beat a DUI in California

Being charged with a DUI in California is a serious matter. If you get convicted of a DUI, you spend time in jail, have your license suspended or revoked, and face significant fines and other penalties. A DUI conviction will also appear on your records, which might make it hard for you to secure housing […]